Seventeen-year-old Kylie Dombroski has spent her entire academic journey attending Buford City Schools. Now, as a senior at Buford High School, she’s preparing to leave behind a legacy defined by creativity, service and determination. Whether she’s leading worship, excelling in academics or pursuing her dream of a music career, Dombroski embodies the spirit of Buford’s tradition of excellence while creating her own unique path. 

Dombroski is the daughter of Staci and Jeffrey Dombroski and the younger sister of Dillon, a 20-year-old Georgia Tech student. Growing up in Buford, she has been part of the school system since kindergarten, giving her a deep connection to the community. Outside of school, she enjoys painting, a hobby she shares with her dad. Together, they often sketch and paint cartoon characters, a pastime that allows her a fun, creative outlet.

Although highly creative, what many might not know about Dombroski is her involvement in worship leadership at Buford Senior Academy. Working alongside Mrs. Amy Klem, she helps guide younger students in songs of faith. 

“It truly makes my day seeing the students engage in worship,” Dombroski said. 

Her faith plays a central role in her life. Dombroski regularly attends Ivy Creek Church with friends, spends time reading her Bible, and credits her beliefs with shaping her outlook and ambitions. 

It is through music, however, that Dombroski has found her greatest passion. Songwriting has been a creative outlet for her, and recently that dream grew into something bigger. She traveled to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record her first single professionally. The song, titled “War,” is now available on streaming platforms, an impressive milestone very few high school seniors can claim. 

“For my senior year, I am pursuing all dual enrollment classes in hopes that I will find the time to further my singing career by performing at restaurants and recording more songs,” Dombroski said. “Additionally, dual enrollment will enable me to complete two years of college, allowing me to take a gap year to focus on my music.” 

Buford High School emphasizes AAA Excellence — excellence in academics, athletics and the arts — and Dombroski has represented all three during her time as a Wolf. On the academic side, she has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while challenging herself with AP World, AP Psychology, AP Precalculus, and Enhanced Advanced Algebra. Her dedication earned her membership in the National Honor Society and recognition through numerous awards. 

She also explored athletics during her freshman year as a member of the Buford tennis team, but ultimately she chose to dedicate more time to music. That decision has allowed her to shine and pursue her passion. She has performed solos in the annual Chorus Variety Show every year since she was a sophomore, earned recognition at the YOU Awards International and in 2024, she won the YOU Awards International Entertainment Award.

Beyond academics and the arts, Dombroski has been active in a wide range of clubs, including FCA, DECA, Student Council and BETA Club. She points to National Honor Society as being particularly influential. Volunteering through NHS inspired her to spend more time in her mother’s classroom, assisting students and supporting teachers, which were all experiences that helped her see the lasting impact of consistent, small acts of service. 

When reflecting on her time in Buford City Schools, Dombroski credits several teachers for making a lasting impact. Mr. Jeff Gillis, who teaches language arts at BHS, stands out for his engaging teaching style and his ability to connect with students. 

“He genuinely takes the time to get to know each of his students as individuals,” Dombroski said. 

That same level of care and connection is something Mr.Gillis also recognized in his Dombroski. 

“Kylie had a creative spirit which made her a joy to teach. She was big in both heart and ideas, always thoughtful and kind, and she approached reading and writing with a spark. She is a great young person,” Gillis said. 

Another favorite is Tyler Ann Smith, who Kylie first met as a small group leader at a church retreat. Later, Smith became her AP teacher, encouraging her to reach her full potential and providing extra support during morning study sessions. With Smith’s help, Kylie earned a top score of five on the AP exam, an accomplishment she’s especially proud of. 

When asked about the most influential figure in her life, Dombroski points not to a single mentor or family member but to Jesus. 

“The way He lived with love, strength, and unwavering faith through every struggle is something I try to reflect in my own life,” she said. 

Her faith not only shapes her outlook but also drives her goals for the future. This year, Dombroski is taking all dual enrollment courses, a decision that gives her flexibility to focus on music while also providing a head start on college. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to pursue music full time before enrolling at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega to study business. With that degree, she hopes to learn more about navigating the music industry. 

Kylie also has advice for underclassmen: don’t stress over grades if you’ve truly given your best effort, don’t compare your achievements to others and explore opportunities like AP or dual enrollment based on your strengths. Most importantly, she wants to be remembered not just for her successes, but for the hard work and countless hours behind them. 

“I want to be remembered as the girl who worked hard for her achievements,” Dombroski added. “Most people only see the outcome, not the effort and determination that went into it.”

From academics to music to faith, Kylie Dombroski has left her mark on Buford High School in countless ways. With her strong work ethic, creativity and strong sense of purpose, she is not only an example of Buford’s AAA Excellence but also a student whose influence will be remembered long after graduation. As she steps into her future, Dombroski carries with her the values of her community, the strength of her faith and a determination to make her dreams a reality.